Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa
There, people walk about freely, wherever they please.
They know the innermost home of the Beloved, and no one blocks their way.
Ravidas, the free shoemaker, says: whoever lives in that city is a friend of mine.
The close rings with freedom. In Begampura people "stroll about freely" — no gates, no guards, no one telling you where you may or may not go; they know the Beloved's own home and nothing bars the way. Then Ravidas signs the song proudly: khalaas chamaaraa — "the free shoemaker." He does not hide his caste; he claims it and declares himself free. And his open hand to all: "whoever is a citizen there is my friend." Belonging in Begampura is the only membership — and it's offered to everyone.
What would it feel like to belong somewhere where absolutely no one is turned away?
Translation by Dr. Sant Singh Khalsa·How we use AI